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Elmer Frederick Neumeier, 94

Elmer Frederick Neumeier, 94, was welcomed by the Lord with “Come in my good and faithful servant” at 10:15 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012, with his wife and family at his side as he departed.

Elmer was born on July 8, 1917, in Dayton, to Raymond Frederick and May (Caldwell) Neumeier, and they preceded him in death when he was young, leaving him orphaned at age 5. He was raised by his grandparents, Andrew and Katherine (Fisher) Neumeier, of Wapakoneta.

On Jan. 10, 1944, he married Mary Louise Gehrlich, a lifelong friend and love of his life, and she survives him.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Victoria; a great-great grandson, Jayden.

Armed with the responsibility to define his own path and built upon the family values passed down to him, Elmer entered the military during World War II. He served a three-year term as a seaman and a machinist mate in the U.S. Navy, Seabees, 70th and 84th Battalions, serving tours in Algeria, Okinawa and Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart. During his service term, he married Mary Louise.

A man of all trades, he then pursued a life of service to his family, church and community. His work history included Westinghouse, Gehrlich Brothers, Koneta Rubber Co. and the Wapakoneta City School system from which he retired.

He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wapakoneta F.O.E., Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society. He held the position of Grand Knight during his service at the K of C. He received a 25-year service award as a member of the Scouting community, serving as an educator and leader for area youth. Elmer was a gifted card shark and accomplished fisherman, but he’d rather be known for his faith, patriotism and love of family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 107 W. Pearl St., Wapakoneta, with the Rev. Patrick Sloneker officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Long & Folk Chapel of Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 13 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta. The family asks that donations in Elmer’s name be made to St. Rita’s Hospice or to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Renovation Fund.